Mateo was pulled from Thursday's game with discomfort in his right arm, the Cubs' web site reports. The Cubs' medical staff was looking at Mateo's right elbow when he was lifted. He walked the first batter he faced, then threw two more pitches before he was pulled.

Mateo showed signs of being a serviceable relief option with 25 strikeouts in 23 innings before his season was cut short in early July by a strained right forearm. Mateo walks too many batters, and gives up too many flyballs, but he has the arm to succeed in a middle-relief role should he improve his command. Expect him to compete for a job in spring training.

2011

Mateo saw some work with the Cubs at the end of the year, and while the 26:9 K:BB ratio in 21 IP looks promising, he gave up six homers in that span which explains the unsightly 5.82 ERA. In short, Mateo could win a middle relief job out of camp, but he'll have to cut down on the walks and the long balls before he earns an important role.